Solar energy in Sandakan, Malaysia
Average irradiation 5.01 kWh/m²/day · ~1463 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Sandakan (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.24 | 26.5 | 103 |
| Feb | 4.82 | 26.4 | 117 |
| Mar | 5.39 | 26.9 | 131 |
| Apr | 5.66 | 27.7 | 138 |
| May | 5.47 | 27.8 | 133 |
| Jun | 5.09 | 27.4 | 124 |
| Jul | 5.09 | 27.2 | 124 |
| Aug | 5.32 | 27.3 | 129 |
| Sep | 5.23 | 27.4 | 127 |
| Oct | 4.92 | 27.3 | 120 |
| Nov | 4.61 | 27.2 | 112 |
| Dec | 4.32 | 27.0 | 105 |
Solar potential of Sandakan explained
Sandakan receives an average of 5.01 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1463 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Sandakan among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Sandakan?
With 5.01 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Sandakan produces roughly 1463 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Sandakan?
Approximately 7,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
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